13 Best Sights in Galicia, Asturias, and Cantabria, Spain

One of Spain's best-kept secrets, this spectacular stretch of sand, also known as Praia de Augas Santas (Beach of the Holy Waters) features vast rock formations, domes, arches, and caves that were naturally formed by wind and sea. In high season (July--September) it is mandatory to reserve a ticket to access the actual beach via  ascatedrais.xunta.gal. The arches are accessible for walks when the tide goes out; otherwise, the beach can be completely covered. Amenities: parking. Best for: rock formations; spectacular natural scenery; walking.

Designed by architect Joaquín Vaquero Palacios, this charming stone building, built in 1941, houses a bustling traditional food market. It fills up around 11, when locals come to shop, but the operating hours are roughly 8 am to 3 pm. Whether you snap up local cheeses and tinned fish to take home or merely ogle Galicia’s wondrous bounty of shellfish and produce, don't miss this market, one of Spain's most underrated foodie destinations.

Across the river, on the eastern edge of town, this rustic museum contains traditional Asturian houses, cider presses, a mill, and an exquisitely painted granary. Also here is the Museo de la Gaita (Bagpipe Museum) celebrating the area's centuries-old bagpiping tradition. Bagpipes from other parts of the world are on display as well.

This 13th-century church rising over the main square is an excellent example of Romantic Gothic architecture.

Santiago's premier contemporary art museum is housed in a stark yet elegant modern building that contrasts with Santiago's ancient feel. Inside, a lobby of gleaming Italian marble gives way to white-walled, high-ceilinged exhibition halls filled with mind-bending conceptual art—some of which might be a bit "out there" for the uninitiated. The temporary exhibits are excellent. Portuguese designer Álvaro Siza built this museum from smooth, angled granite to mirror the medieval convent of San Domingos de Bonaval next door.

This steep peninsula—the old fishermen's quarter—is now the main nightlife hub. At sunset, the sidewalk in front of bar El Planeta ( Tránsito de las Ballenas 4), overlooking the harbor, is a prime spot to join locals drinking Asturian cider. From the park at the highest point on the headland, beside Basque artist Eduardo Chillida's massive sculpture Elogio del Horizonte (In Praise of the Horizon), there's a panoramic view of the coast and city.

The tailors' guild put up the Gothic-style church of Santiago, which includes a Pórtico de la Gloria inspired by that of Santiago's cathedral. Above the door is a carving of St. James as the Slayer of the Moors—a title that hasn't aged particularly well.

Dotting the Asturian coast east and west of Llanes are bufones, cavelike cavities that expel water when waves are sucked in. These active blowholes shoot streams of water as high as 100 feet at unpredictable intervals. They are clearly marked so you can find them, and there are barriers to protect you when they expel water. There is one east of Playa Ballota; try to watch it in action from this mirador east of Llanes, between the villages of Cué and Andrin. If you miss the spurt, the view is still worth a stop—on a clear day you can see the coastline all the way east to Santander.

South of Vigo's Old Town, this is a quiet, stately park with sandy paths, palm trees, mossy embankments, and stone benches. Atop a series of steps are the remains of an old fort and a mirador (lookout) with fetching views of Vigo's coastline and the Islas Cíes. Along its shady western side lies the Castro de Vigo, the remains of Vigo's first Celtic settlement, dating to the 3rd century BC.

Reservations required for Castro de Vigo and guided tours are available for groups of three or more, as well as for the fortress.

The 16th-century seafarers' basilica has lovely, sinuous vaulting and, at the back of the nave, a Romanesque portal. There's also an 18th-century Christ by the Galician sculptor Ferreiro. Entrance to the basilica is free, but a pop-in to the museum and tower will set you back only €1.

Aside from legends, another draw in this tiny seaside town is its main plaza and the 12th-century church of Santa María das Areas. Romanesque, Gothic, and baroque elements combine in an impressive (if gloomy) facade.

Dating to the time of Augustus, the ruins of Gijón's baths are under the plaza at the end of the beach. Visits take approximately 20 minutes. Descriptions are in Spanish only, but English pamphlets are available upon request. 

A crucial building during the medieval wars between Castile and Portugal, Tui's 12th-century Romanesque cathedral looks like a fortress. Its majestic cloisters surround a lush formal garden. Rooftop ("Cubiertas") tours take place every day but Sunday at 1:30 pm from July to September.